Biometric sensor

ABSTRACT

An access control unit having a novel structure and arrangement, including a first layer comprising an electrostimulation contact interface, a second layer including a biometric sensor coupled to the electrostimulation contact interface, and a third layer including a microprocessor unit in communication with the electrostimulation contact interface. The second layer is sandwiched between the first layer and the third layer. The electrostimulation contact interface comprises one or more anode/cathode arrays configured to deliver neurostimulative excitations to the electrostimulation contact interface to elicit behavior modification.

REFERENCES TO THE RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNos. 62/963,110 and 62/963,107, both filed on Jan. 19, 2020.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of biometric type sensors,namely sensors which require touch or close proximity to activate. Morespecifically, an access control system including a biometric type sensorcoupled to an electro-stimulation contact interface on an object, theelectro-stimulation contact being designed to activate in the event ofan unauthorized attempt to access the object via the biometric typesensor.

BACKGROUND

A biometric sensor is a transducer that changes a biometric trait of aperson into an electrical signal. Biometric traits typically includebiometric fingerprint reader, nerves, iris, face, voice, etc.Fingerprint sensing and matching is a reliably and widely used techniquefor personal identification and verification. For example, a commonapproach to fingerprint identification includes scanning and storing asample fingerprint or an image thereof. The characteristics of thesample fingerprint may then be compared to information for referencefingerprints already in a database to determine proper identification ofa person, such as for verification purposes. Verification may determineaccess or securing of, for example, the following: computer centers,radioactive or biological danger areas, controlled experiments,information storage areas, airport maintenance and freight areas,hospital closed areas, pharmaceutical storage spaces, houses,businesses, safe deposit boxes, vaults, safes, and physical objects,such as firearms and merchandise.

One disadvantage of the existing biometric security solutions is thatthey do not interactively deter (fight back) an unauthorized userattempting access, rather they only validate a user's identity andpermit access or egress or both.

Behavior modification (or change) refers to a modification of behaviorof a mammal (including a human being) and may be realized in differentforms, for example it may be used to aide in the formation of new habitsor repeated behaviors (either avoided or induced), to guide someone orsomething into or away for an action, activity, or such at a moment intime. In this way the concept of behavior modification is inclusive ofhabit cessation, habit formation, or action guidance. Neurostimuli areoften used to direct mammalian behavior.

However, in the context of authorizing access to restricted areas orspaces, it is difficult to direct individuals to specific locations orpositions such that neurostimuli may be administered to the individual,e.g., to deter further attempts at accessing restricted area or space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure address deficiencies of the artwith respect to behavior modification and provide a novel andnon-obvious method and system for variable neurostimulative excitationto elicit behavior modification integrated with biometric sensors suchthat individuals are directed to the neurostimulative excitations.

The science of neurostimulation includes auditory, optical, electrical,olfactory, gustatory, alone or in any combination thereof. One aspect ofthe present disclosure focuses on electrical neurostimulation, but it isknown that the techniques taught herein may be applied to one or moretypes of neurostimulation, alone or in combination, to elicit behaviormodification. The combination of neurostimulation can be delivered inserial or parallel.

One object of the present disclosure is to provide an access controlsystem and associated methods for reliably controlling access andinteractively deterring (fighting back) unauthorized users access to thesecured location and/or object. Another object is to provide acontextually aware interactive deterrent, e.g., providing the correctlevel and type(s) of deterrents based on a dynamic changing environmentas well as time of day and location. Another object is to increase thetime required for an unauthorized user to access a secured locationand/or object.

This and other objects, features and advantages in accordance with thepresent invention are provided by an access control system comprising asensor (e.g., biometric fingerprint sensor or other biometric typesensor which requires touch or close proximity, e.g., ¼ inch airgap, toactivate), and an electrostimulation contact area coupled to thebiometric type sensor, wherein the electrostimulation contact interfaceincludes one or more anode/cathode arrays configured to deliverneurostimulative excitations to elicit behavior modification, e.g.,deter attempts to access restricted area or space). This may alsooptionally include an integration of the underlying electronicsnecessary to process and power these components as well as transmit andreceive information from external sources.

According to one embodiment, a sensor layer is sandwiched between anupper layer including a neurostimulation component layer and anelectronics layer below. In this orientation, a user will be required toauthenticate at the same location that neurostimulation may beadministered.

The applications of this concept for behavior modification are farreaching, for example, the behavior modification system taught hereincould be applied in the applications described below.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can be incorporated into a“virtual safe” (e.g., a safe that is created is a space within a digitaldomain that can be represented within any physical or virtual location),a gun handle (e.g., so that a portion of the handle “shocks” a persontrying to hold the gun when that person is not authorized by thebiometric type sensor to do so), an autonomous vehicle (e.g., so thatthe chassis of vehicle or payload “shocks” a person trying to touch thechassis or payload when that person is not authorized, e.g., access onlypermitted at defined destination location, etc.) or a door lock (e.g.,so that a portion of the door handle “shocks” a person trying to turnthe handle or push open the door when that person is not authorized bythe biometric type sensor to do so) The present disclosure is notlimited to the above examples. For example, the method and systemdescribed herein may apply to many other markets or domains such asanimal control, crowd control, home or building security, teaching,learning to play music, enhancing the movement of a golf swing,improving running, detouring access to controlled substances etc.

According to another aspect of this embodiment, the neurostimulation canbe delivered without the user making physical or direct contact with thedevice. For example, in the case of electro-neurostimulation, once theproximity of the user has been detected and authorization denied, theneurostimulus signal can be propagated using a high voltage dischargesystem capable of crossing a spark gap enabled by a Tesla coil. Teslacoils can produce output voltages from 50 Kilovolts of volts. Thealternating current output is in the range typically between 50 kHz and1 MHz.

The system may include an authentication electronics for determiningwhether the user is authorized for access to the object or space andcountermeasure disabling electronics for disabling countermeasureelectronics, such as energy source configured to deliver electricalneurostimulus to at least one of a plurality of electrostimulus endpoints on the object or device, when the user is authenticated foraccess to the object or space.

According to one embodiment, the authentication electronics can beincorporated in the sensor configured to detect placement of a firstanatomical portion of a body in proximity to a surface of the object.The authentication electronics can include a biometric interface used toauthenticate the user and provide access to the object or space withoutdelivering an electrical neural stimulus to the user. The biometricinterface can take the form of voice recognition, facial recognition,iris recognition, fingerprint recognition, ear print recognition, gaitand cadence recognition, ECG ID recognition, or other forms of biometricidentifiers including subcutaneous identifiers known as vein detection.

The authentication electronics may communicate with an authenticationengine that may be part of a controller for the system. Theauthentication electronics may be configured to acquire and storeinformation, e.g., palm print, fingerprint and geometry, every time auser attempts to gain access to the object. Thus, the system isconfigured to preserve authorized and non-authorized user attempts.During setup or other, the system learns the authorized users veinpatterns, hand geometry, etc.

In use, the system, for example, can transmit all actions encountered bythe authentication engine, such that an administrator of the system canreceive live time coded information (e.g., video feeds, pictures, etc.).The information can be preserved locally or in the cloud, for forensicapplications.

According to another embodiment, a data processing system is adapted foruse with the invention. The data processing system includes an object, apower source, an energy source, a sensor operatively coupled to theobject and sensing placement of a first anatomical portion of a body oranatomical portion of a target subject in proximity to a surface of theobject and a multiplicity of electrostimulative end points coupled tothe power source and affixed to the surface of the object. The systemfurther includes a controller coupled to the sensor and end points. Thecontroller includes a processor, memory and computer programinstructions stored in the memory. In one embodiment the instructionsare enabled upon execution by the processor to deliver electrical neuralstimulus through one of the end points nearest to a location of thesensed placement, detect a characteristic of the sensed placement, andrespond to the characteristic by changing a profile of the electricalneural stimulus.

Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part may be derived from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The aspectsof the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elementsand combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It isto be understood that both the foregoing general description and thefollowing detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only andare not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate examples of various components ofembodiments of the invention disclosed herein and are for illustrativepurposes only. Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated byway of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanyingdrawings, and in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a first side view (e.g., front) of one embodiment ofan access control unit, e.g., integrated authentication andneurostimulation device.

FIG. 1B illustrates a second side view (e.g., back) of one embodiment ofan access control unit, e.g., integrated authentication andneurostimulation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is provided with reference to thefigures. Exemplary embodiments are described to illustrate thedisclosure, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims.Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalentvariations in the description that follows without departing from thescope and spirit of the disclosure.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described that provide for integratedauthentication and neurostimulation for behavior modification.

In accordance with one embodiment, a proximity of a portion of theanatomy of a target subject is sensed in connection with a surface of atarget object (e.g., door, door handle, jail cell, safe, locker,shipping container, computer, laptop, firearm, cellphone, piano key,golf club, baseball bat, etc.) that separates a protected space or area.The sensing of the proximity of the anatomical portion may beaccomplished by several means including, but not limited to, ultrasonic,optical, acoustical, image recognition, biometric, radiofrequency,magnetic, chemical, altimeter, thermal, humidity, light, SPL (level)keyword, inductive, capacitive, resistive, inertial measurement unit,movement, rotation, force (for example by means of a strain gauge) orthe sensing of current flowing in the system. Upon sensing the proximityof an anatomical portion with the surface, an identity of the targetsubject and a location on the surface proximate to the anatomicalportion of the target subject is determined. Then, it is determinedwhether the target subject is authorized to access the protected spaceor area (e.g., inside of safe). If the target subject is authorized,then it is granted access and the system may be turned off. If theanatomical portion is not authorized, neurostimulation may be applied toa determined location for behavior modification.

According to one embodiment, an access control unit 10 (front 10 a, back10 b) comprises a biometric sensor coupled to an electro-stimulationcontact interface. The biometric sensor (e.g., fingerprint sensor 14)may be positioned below, either partially or entirely, theelectro-stimulation contact surface. The biometric sensor may be abiometric fingerprint sensor 14 (or other biometric type sensor whichrequires touch or close proximity (approximately ¼ inch gap) toactivate) coupled to the electro-stimulation contact area, which mayinclude one or more additional anode/cathode arrays. The access controlunit 10 may be used, for example, to activate or deactivate an area orproduct that is under supervision of an electronic enabled securitysystem. Typically, for example, biometric sensors only identify andauthenticate a user, thus allowing the user access or in some casessecuring an area or product. However, according to this embodiment, theunit provides a contextually aware interactive deterrent (e.g., “fightsback”), using a desired level and type of deterrent(s) based on adynamic changing environment factors such as time of day, weather, andlocation.

According to one embodiment, the unit comprises a top layer of at leastone set of an anode and cathode 22 configured to deliverelectro-stimulation enabled by a High Voltage Generator operativelycoupled to the anode and cathode. It may also include a Galvanic SkinResponse Amplifier (GSRA) for threshold measurement of galvanic skinresponse (e.g., a change in the electrical resistance of the skin causedby emotional stress, measurable with a sensitive galvanometer, such asin lie-detector tests). It may also include a Time of Flight (ToF)sensor 28 to measure activity and determine proximity as well asInertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to measure moment. It may also includean additional Super-High Voltage Generator enabled, for example, by aTesla coil or other step-up voltage design. Also, for user feedback andtouch affirmation, it can include a haptic transducer. Plus, it caninclude one or more of the following: computer vision, IR vision,thermal sensing, strain, RF, magnetometer, GPS, and other types ofsensors used to detect the presence, speed, movements, actions, SPLlevels, acoustic profiles, key word detection, and/or identification ofa user and the physical location of the system and deterrents.

It is known that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)will be leveraged throughout the process, aided by feedback provided byone or more of the sensors incorporated into the system. According toone aspect, for example, an optimal profile is learned over time foreach target subject by first identifying the subject, eitherbiometrically or by external identification means such as but notlimited to identification badge, image recognition, feature detection,voice recognition, iris recognition, chemical analysis, DNA analysis,motion analysis, weight and height, gait analysis, and the like.Thereafter, the nature of the change in profile of the electricalneurostimulus applied to the target subject is recorded in connectionwith the target subject. Subsequently, upon identifying the targetsubject, the same change in the profile of the electrical neurostimulusmay be applied to the target subject at the outset upon sensing theplacement to ensure that repeatable and consistent behaviors areperformed to achieve the desired behavioral modification outcome.

Optionally, each of the anode-cathode pairs 22 is of a rounded shape,e.g., avoiding sharp corners likely to concentrate current during thedelivery of an electrical neural stimulus.

According to another aspect, the electro-stimulation (e.g., electricalneurostimulus) can be delivered without the user making physical ordirect contact with a pair of electrodes 22. Once the proximity of theuser has been detected, the electrical neurostimulus signal can bepropagated using a high voltage discharge system capable of crossing aspark gap enabled by a Tesla coil. Tesla coils can produce outputvoltages from 50 Kilovolts of volts. The alternating current output isin the range typically between 50 kHz and 1 MHz.

According to one embodiment, the unit comprises a second layer mountedunderneath the top layer (e.g., described above) and the second layercomprises a biometric fingerprint sensor 14. The biometric fingerprintsensor may be an Ultrasonic Finger Print Sensor (UFPS) (see below). Ineffect, for example, the UFPS is designed to read a fingerprint throughmetal/glass or other substrates, thus the UFPS can be positioned beneaththe top layer and can be “waterproofed” as it requires no direct contacton its surface with the finger, merely close proximity.

According to one embodiment, a set of anodes and cathodes 22 can bepositioned on the same plane, but mapped around the interior or exteriorboundary as a conventional fingerprint sensor.

According to one embodiment, the access control unit 10 comprises threelayers (e.g., sandwich design): a first layer comprising anelectrostimulation contact interface (described above), a second layercomprising a biometric sensor 14 (described above) and a third layercomprising one or more of the following: a microprocessor 52, memory(e.g., for forensics), a wired and wireless communication port andantenna array, an interface for additional deterrents and sensors. Thedeterrents and sensors may include one or more of the following:ultrasonic, optical, acoustical, image recognition 54, biometric, RF,magnetic, chemical, altimeter, thermal, humidity, light, SPL (level)keyword, inductive, capacitive, resistive, inertial measurement unit,force (for example by means of a strain gauge) or the sensing of currentflowing in the system or from human oversight or capacitive, optical,chemical, water vapor (relative humidity RH) and encryption engine, apower supply, a wired and wireless recharging system, an IMU 60, atleast one camera, ambient light, Co2, thermal sensor as to detect aprecipitous change of temp (to circumvent someone attempting to cool thedevice as to put it to sleep), as well as a GSRA 58 to detect not onlythe users body (finger) impedance, but also water and or liquids thatcould be applied to the anode/cathode to circumvent unauthorized access,detection of and insulation of an external power being applied to theanode/cathode to circumvent unauthorized access and an interface toconnect to motor, contacts, electrotechnical appliances.

Furthermore, the access control unit 10 may be configured to beactivated or deactivated remotely and deterrents scaled. The unit couldalso be waterproofed and fireproofed to add further protective measures.

According to one embodiment, a system including an access control unit10 (e.g., described above) acquires a fingerprint (one or more) of auser interacting with a defined area (e.g., user attempting to open adoor by turning a door handle).

One advantage of the novel sandwich design of the access control unit 10is that it can be integrated into an object that a user is likely tointeract with, e.g., door handle, gun handle, container handle, etc. Ifthe fingerprint is known, then the system is authenticated. If not,then, for example, the GSRA measures impedance in the first layer (e.g.at the anode and cathode) and delivers electro-stimulation to thefingers of the user as disclosed below. The delivery of energy to thefinger, for example, is at the highest maximum transfer efficiency.There may be other locations that the electro-stimulation can bedelivered. The system can also be designed to overtly direct a user to aspecific physical location for fingerprint bio-identification andauthentication, such that a LED or other visual indication(s) candeliver insights as to where the user is to touch or press. For example,an ultrasonic sensor can be used to detect the presence of a user whenthe user is in proximity of the object.

The system is configured to register multiple authorized (andunauthorized) users. For evert authorized user profile, variousdeterrents can be completed turned off or reduced in intensity furtherrefined by time, location and environmental conditions.

The access control unit 10 described herein could be incorporated intoembodiments of a virtual safe enabled with countermeasures to mitigateaccess of controlled devices or substances, described in U.S.application Ser. No. 16/732,049, filed Dec. 31, 2019 and claimingbenefit to U.S. Prov. App. 62/787,171, filed Dec. 31, 2018. Applicantincorporates by reference U.S. application Ser. No. 16/732,049.

For example, it could be incorporated into a system and means ofimplementing and providing a contextually aware virtual perimeterenabled with interactive countermeasures to mitigate accessibility of anarea or object and includes at least one sensor that establishes anelectronic virtual border rom at least one point to define a space,digital detection electronics for detecting the presence of anindividual, animal, or object encroaching the virtual border andcountermeasure electronics for generating a countermeasure signal thatimpedes or thwarts the movement or actions of the detected individual,animal, or object. It could also include authentication electronics fordetermining whether the individual, animal, or object is authorized foraccess to the space and countermeasure disabling electronics fordisabling the countermeasure electronics when the person, animal, orobject is authenticated for access to the space.

For example, in some implementations and embodiments, contextually awaredetection and monitoring can include Real Time Location System (RTLS)monitoring of a “virtual safe” (e.g., the safe that is created is aspace within a digital domain and can be represented within any physicalor virtual location) and its associated contents for a defined area(e.g., region of interest or protected space). The space can be enabledby an electronic virtual border around a single point with a predefinedset of boundaries, such as geofencing or computer vision. Or, thetracking of a physical safe, weapon and its contents may utilize RFtransceivers or magnetic transceivers, acoustic transceivers, or otherwhereas the safe (physical or virtual), weapon and its contents includeinternal or external sensors for determining location, speed ofmovement, heading, vibration, acceleration (e.g., 3D acceleration), orother information that can monitor the activity, state, identificationof the safe, weapon and its contents to provide detection and contextualawareness. Accessing the control system can be accomplished mechanicallywith a key, combination lock, or electronically with a password orbiometric interface (as described herein).

Countermeasures, for example, include impeding, obstructing, disruptingor terminating access by deterring, neutralizing, preventing orprotecting. Countermeasures serve to deter the individual, either for ashort period in the order of a 300-400 milliseconds or longer actingcountermeasures, which can induce effects in the order of minutes orhours. Countermeasures include non-lethal or less than lethal measures,which can be delivered in a series of escalating steps or otherpatterns.

In one embodiment, countermeasures serve to cause the sensation of fightor flight. In one embodiment, the initial deployment phase of thecountermeasures can begin as an Acoustic Startle Reflex, e.g., caused byan auditory stimulus greater than 120 decibels coupled with the fastrise time of the initial excitation of the acoustic transducer.Following the initial phase of the countermeasure, for example, the nextdeployment phase can begin in a sequential manner as to produce soundpressure levels of 140 dB, thereby inducing the Threshold of Pain, e.g.,the sound pressure level beyond which sound becomes unbearable for ahuman listener, which varies only slightly with frequency.

With regards to electro-neurostimulation, the neural stimulus can bedelivered through electrode end points, as described herein.

The foregoing arrangement is enabled to achieve neurostimulativebehavior modification without risking unintended, adverse health riskgiven. For example, with regards to electrostimulation, the limit oncurrent and duration of current delivery coupled with thecounterbalancing delivery of energy within the AC electrical neuralstimulus prevents lasting effects.

In one embodiment, when using a high-voltage system (KEV), the cathodeand anode electrode placement can be modified whereas one of theelectrodes is connected to the ground plane as the other electrode willcross the spark gap and deliver the electrostimulus through air.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrates a schematic of one embodiment, front andback side views respectively, of an access control unit 10 describedherein, e.g., integrated authentication and neurostimulation device.

The following components are shown in FIG. 1A: haptic motor 12,fingerprint sensor 14, microphone 16, mounting flange 18, camera 20,anode/cathode 22, microphone 24, light ring 26, ToF 28, battery 30,induction charging coil 32.

The following components are shown in FIG. 1B: leads for motor 50,BLE-Cellular-Microcontroller Module 52, camera 54, interior LED 56, GSR58, IMU 60, IR sensor 62 (or ToF sensor), external sensor connector 64,speaker output 66, and power connector 68.

The components illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 11B are illustrative and notlimiting, e.g., can include one or more of components shown and couldinclude components not shown, depending on the desired application ofthe unit. Further, the arrangement of these components is not limited tothe example shown in the figures.

The present invention may be embodied within a system, a method, acomputer program product or any combination thereof. The computerprogram product may include a computer readable storage medium or mediahaving computer readable program instructions thereon for causing aprocessor to carry out aspects of the present invention. The computerreadable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain andstore instructions for use by an instruction execution device. Thecomputer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limitedto, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an opticalstorage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductorstorage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network. The computer readable program instructions mayexecute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer,as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer andpartly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer orserver.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in acomputer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, aprogrammable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to functionin a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage mediumhaving instructions stored therein includes an article of manufactureincluding instructions which implement aspects of the function/actspecified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

Finally, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of theinvention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms “includes” and/or“including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described to best explain the principles ofthe invention and the practical application, and to enable others ofordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for variousembodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particularuse contemplated.

Although this disclosure has been described in connection with specificforms and embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that variousmodifications other than those discussed above may be resorted towithout departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as definedin the claims. For example, functionally equivalent elements may besubstituted for those specifically shown and described, certain featuresmay be used independently of other features, and in certain cases,particular locations of the elements may be reversed or interposed, allwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as definedin the claims.

We claim: 1: An access control unit comprising: a first layer comprisingan electrostimulation contact interface; a second layer comprising abiometric sensor coupled to the electrostimulation contact interface;and a third layer comprising a microprocessor unit in communication withthe electrostimulation contact interface, wherein the second layer issandwiched between the first layer and the third layer of said accesscontrol unit, the electrostimulation contact interface comprises one ormore anode/cathode arrays, and the one or more anode/cathode arrays areconfigured to deliver neurostimulative excitations to theelectrostimulation contact interface.